Riga, March 10 (LETA) - Latvia is more often chosen as a place of study by foreign students for practical reasons, while new cultural experiences is less important, according to a study by the Latvian Strategy and Economic Research Institute (LaSER) "Foreign Students in Latvia: a Source of Growth?".

Latvia as a study destination was the primary choice for half of the respondents. Asian students were the most frequent respondents - 65.5 percent. By contrast, the figure was half as high among Western European students - 28.6 percent.

The least frequent countries to indicate Latvia as their first study destination were students from France (14.3 percent) and the Netherlands (15.8 percent). The researchers attribute this to the high competition for studies in these countries. Foreign students often outcompete local students, and local students have to look outside their home country to get into a competitive university.

Latvia's popularity as a study destination also depends on the field of study, the researchers note. Among students studying medical and welfare programs, 34.6 percent of respondents indicated Latvia as their first choice. The researchers attribute this to strong competition for medical study costs in Western Europe, which makes students consider alternative countries.

Compared to 2016, the priorities of international students when choosing Latvia as a study destination have changed. Factors such as the availability of the language of study and the desire to experience a new culture are no longer as important as in the past.

These changes are closely linked to a significant increase in the number of English-language study programs at Latvian universities, the researchers note. In response to demand, public and private universities have expanded their offer. For example, the University of Latvia had only six English programs in 2016, but this has now increased to 53.

The availability of English is now seen as an advantage in itself, the report says.

Researchers attribute the lower willingness to experience new cultures to a more practical approach - it is becoming more important for students to find affordable living and study opportunities rather than focusing on emotionally pleasurable or exclusive experiences. A safe living environment has also become an important factor in students' choices.

Most factors related to reputation and quality of education are relevant for a relatively small number of students in 2024, as in 2016. For example, the quality of research and education at the university of their choice was rated as important by 21 percent of respondents in 2024, which is 4 percentage points lower than in 2016.

Most international students are satisfied with their experience in Latvia. Almost 77.4 percent of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with the language of study, 70.6 percent - with the quality of life, including accommodation, catering, other everyday aspects. 69 percent are satisfied or very satisfied with the study programs and the learning process.

56 percent of students feel satisfied or very satisfied with the tolerance of society towards people of other cultures, while 17.7 percent of respondents are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Northern European students (26 percent) are the most dissatisfied with society's attitude. Among students of Indian origin, however, only 12 percent of respondents are dissatisfied.

The survey asked students to rate their associations with Riga and Latvia. The majority say that Latvia is cold (62 percent), while Riga is also often described as beautiful (60 percent).

The most significant difference between Riga and Latvia is in the "modern" and "rustic" images, with a difference of 33 and 29 percentage points respectively. There is also a 23 percentage point difference between the associations "cheerful", "quiet" and "cheap". Only 21 percent of respondents consider both Latvia and Riga to be "decent".